gens

‖n.; pl. Gentes [ L. See Gentle, a. ] (Rom. Hist.) 1. A clan or family connection, embracing several families of the same stock, who had a common name and certain common religious rites; a subdivision of the Roman curia or tribe. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Ethnol.) A minor subdivision of a tribe, among American aborigines. It includes those who have a common descent, and bear the same totem. [ 1913 Webster ]